Water-column



No. 6|8,222. Patented lan. 24, |899. E. D. GAIN.

WATER COLUMN.

(Application led July 14, 1898.)

(No Model.)

W/TNESSES: 2% I7 MLK/QL,

ilNiTnn STATES PATENT Ormea.

EPIIRAIM D. GAIN, OF VEATI'IERBY, MISSOURI.

WATER-COLUMN.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 618,222, dated January 24, 1899.

Application filed July 14,1898. Serial No. 685,912. (No model.)

To @ZZ 1071/0711, t may concern:

Be itknown that I, EPHRAIM D. GAIN, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at IVeatherby, in the county of De Kalb and State of Missouri, have invented certain new and useful Improvementsin Tater-Columns; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appert-ains to make and use the same.

This invention is an improvement in railway water-columns, and relates more particularly to that class having a rotatable standpipe with a lateral discharge-spout and mechanism for controlling the operation of the cut off valve, the discharge -spout being so arranged wi th respect to the stand-pi pe that the discharge end thereof may be lowered and mechanism provided for returning the standpipe and its discharge-spout automatically to a normal position parallel with the railwaytrack.

The invention is an improvement upon the water-celu mn shown and described in Letters ljatent reissued to me May 3, 1808, and numbered 11,662.

The present invention contemplates a particular construction and disposition of parts whereby to provide a more convenient arrangement and positive operation, improving and simplifying the construction in certain important features to produce an apparatus of this character which shall be strong and durable, compact, and efficient.

The invention includes peculiar mechanism for automatically draining the stand-pipe when the discharge-spout is swung parallel with the track or out of an operative position, the said mechanism also serving the purpose of automatically returning the stand-pipe to its normal position and positively retaining it in such position.

The invention also includes a more simple and effective arrangement, providing a tight joint between the discharge-spout and standpipe, and, further, in details of construction which tend to increase the efficiency of the apparatus and lessen the cost of manufacture.

The following specification enters into a detail description, reference being had to the accompanying drawings and to letters of reference thereon, which designate the dierent parts, and what I consider to be new in the particular construction and combination of instrumentalities is more specifically set forth in the appended claims.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a Water-column constructed in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is a detail sectional view showing t-he improved form of connection between the stand-pipe and discharge-spout. Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional View on the line 3 .5' of Fig. 2.

Vith particular reference to said drawings, A designates a platform having an opening a, through whichthe stand-pipe passes, and an upper countersunk opening a' to receive a part which is carried by the stand-pipe. Upon this platform, surrounding the opening therein, is a two-part housing or casing B, preferably bell-shaped, as shown, -the parts having lateral flanges, by which they are bolted together, and a base-flange, by which thesaid casing is bolted to the platform. vIn the upper end of the casing is an opening for the stand-pipe, hereinafter described, and surrounding said opening is a ring b, having an annular groove or ball-race, forming a bearin g, the said ring being retained in place by an annular iiange b', formed integrally with the casing or housing. Interiorly the casing or housing B is provided at one side with a vertical plane surface b2 for the attachment of a bracket C, forming part of the automatic shifting and draining mechanism.

D designates the stand-pipe, which is made up of two sections bolted together, the upper end of said stand-pipe being closed vwith the exception of a central opening for the valverod or vertical shaft and stuffing-box surrounding the same. The stand-pipe passes downward through the housing B and platform A, and the lower section thereof is provided with a circumferential enlargement d, presenting an annular surface and projecting iiange or shoulder at the upper end of said surface. Upon this annular surface is shrunk a bearing-ring E, having an annular groove or ball-race e, which is opposed to the corre.

spending ball-race of the ring l), hereinbefore referred to, the said rings E and l), with the interposed balls, forming a ball-bearing upon which the stand-pipe rotates. The ring E lOO has a depending peripheral flange e', which encircles the ring b and bears against the flange b', forming practically a sand-band to thoroughly protect the bearing from coal-d ust and dirt. The lower end of the stand-pipe D turns inthe upperend of a valve-chamber F, provided with the usual packing-ring f, and the lower end of said valve-chamber is provided with an outwardly-projecting basefiange f', by which it is bolted to the waterchamber G, the upper part of the latter having an opening containing a valve-seat g, located at the center of the valve-chamber. A yoke-frame H is mounted within the valvechamber upon the water-chamber, straddling the Valve-seat., and provided at its enlarged upper end with a vertical opening 71, in which plays the valve-stem i of the valve I, the last-mentioned parts being connected by balland-socket joint, so that the valve will properly engage its seat. The valve-stem has a threaded opening` to receive the threaded end of the lower section J of the valve-rod, said rod-section having an integral collar turning in an enlarged recess formed by a cap 7i', screwed upon the yoke-frame H. The parts just described, including the valve and water chambers, valve, valve-seat, yoke, and connecting-rod, are similar to the corresponding parts shown and described in my patent referred to, with the exception that the drawings of said patent were inadvertently made to show the part carrying the valve-seat as integral with the water-chamber. I have im proved the connection between the two sections of the valve-rod by squaring the lower end of the Lipper section J and formingareduced squared portion at the upper end of the lower section J, making the connection by a sleeve J 2, havinga bore square in crosssection or corresponding wi th the squared ends of the valve-rod sections, the said sleeve being retained in position by bearing upon the shoulder formed by reducing the end of the lower section J. This forms a very simple and effective coupling for the two sections of the valve-rod and permits of their being readily and conveniently connected and disconnected.

The sectional valve-rod is operated by a horizontal shaft K, projectingfrom the upper end of the stand-pipe and geared to said valverod by bevel-pinions 71: and j, the outer end of the shaft being supported by an arm K', connected and braced, as shown, to the upper part of the stand-pi pe. The bevel-gearing between the shaft and rod is housed in a cap L, comprising in part a casting, which forms in addition to the horizontal and upright bearings a stuffing-box Z, which extends into the opening at the upper end of the stand-pipe and through which the valve-rod passes, the said cap being rigidly connected to the standpipe.

The discharge-opening of the stand-pipe is at one side of the upper section thereof, and surrounding this opening the said section is enlarged lo strengthen the same. Loosely tting this opening, so as to turn therein, is an elbow-pipe M, forming a part of the discharge-spout, said elbow having an encircling flange m,which is adapted to bear snugly against the stand-pipe and form a tight joint. The outer section of the discharge-spout is bolted to the elbow. Bolted to the upper end of the stand-pipe and extending around the elbow M is a yoke N, provided centrally with a boss which fits within a socket formed in an enlarged portion m' of the elbow, the said socket and boss being on a line with the axis of the elbow. Interposed between the boss and base of the socket is a strong helical spring O, the expansion of which tends to hold the elbow in close engagement with the stand-pipe and form a tight joint between these parts without interfering in any Inanner with the lowering,r of the discharge-spout. The outer end of the discharge-spout is provided with a loop-handle m2, by which it is lowered, and the outer end of the bracketarm K is so disposed as to contact with the discharge-spout and limit its upward movement, a cushion or bumper k' being secured to said arm to receive the impact. The discharge-spout is overbalanced by a weight P, adjustable upon a rod p, secured in a socket formed in the enlarged portion 'In' of' the elbow, the said weight serving to swing the discharge-spout normally upward or iu contact with the bracket-arm.

Secured to the stand-pi pe on a line with the platform A is a collar R, with a projecting flange presenting oppositely -inclined surfaces r and r', with a straight portion or step r2 connecting the upper ends of said inclined surfaces. The collar turns with the standpipe, and the inclined surfaces thereofserve to raise and lower a rod S, having its movement in bearings carried by the bracket C, hereinbefore mentioned. The rod is forced downward upon the collar by a strong helical spring S", bearing at its lower end upon a nut s on said rod and atits upper end againstthe upper arm of the bracket, the lower end of the rod carrying an antifriction-roller s,which bears upon the flanged collar. The inclines and upper step are so positioned upon the stand-pipe with respect to the discharge-spout that when said discharge-spout is swung outward or over the track the rod or presser-bar S will bear upon the step, and when swung to its normal position parallel with the track the said rod or presser-bar will be upon the base of the incline for the purposes hereinafter set forth.

Connected to the lower end of the valvechamber F, at one side thereof, is a valve T, similar to the one vshown in myv prior patent, designed to drain the stand-pipe and valvechamber, and for this purpose is opened and closed automatically by the shifting of the discharge-spout and through the intervention of certain improved mechanism connected to the presser-bar. To this end a lever U IOO IlO

is fulcrumed in a bracket attached to or formed integral with the valve-chamber, one end of said lever contacting with the depending valve-stein t, while upon the other end bears a rod V, carried by the presser-bar S, being connected to the extended end of the pintle upon which the antifriction-roller s is mounted. The rod V is composed of two sections coupled by a threaded sleeve r, which permits of the longitudinal adjustment of said rod to regulate the throw of the lever, the said rod playing through an apertured lug on the valve-casing. It will be noted that the valve-operating rod Y is carried by the presser-bar S and has a positive movement therewith and that the gravity of the valve will be sufficient to return said valve to its seat when the rod is lifted vertically, the disposition of the longer end of the lever not interfering with this movement. It will also be noted that these parts are so arranged that when the discharge-spout is in its normal position the valve is off its seat, and when said discharge-spout is in an operative position to supply water to a locomotive-tender the said valve will be closed as the operating-rod is lifted by the presser-bar. This provides for automatically draining the stand-pipe and valve-chamber at each operation of the device, it being understood, of course, that the large valve I is operated independently by turning the horizontal shaft at the upper end of the column. It will also be noted that the presser-bar S, bearing upon the inclined fianges of the collar R, will act to turn the stand-pipe, and thereby return the same automatically to its normal position parallel with the track and firmly hold it in such position.

From the foregoing description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, the construction, operation, and practical advantages of my invention will be readily understood, for supposing the water-column to be in its normal position the discharge-spout is swung to position over the locomotive-tender and lowered to enter the filling-hole, after which the main valve is raised from its seat by turning the horizontal shaft or hand-wheel thereon. In this position the presser-bar has traveled up the incline and rests upon the step, lifting the rod carried thereby to permit the check-valve to close. lVhen the tender has been supplied with Water, the main valve is closed, and the spout being released will be moved by the counterbalancing-weight into contact with the bracket-arm. Then a slight movement of said spout will bring the presserbar upon one of the inclined surfaces, so that it can act to turn the stand-pipe and parts carried thereby7 this movement locating the presser-bar at t-he base of the incline and depressing the operating-rod of the check-valve to open the latter.

The parts of the apparatus are all Well protected and being strong and durable will insure an easy and positive operation. The particular construction also provides for conveniently erecting the water-column without the employment of cranes, the parts being in section, so that they can be readily placed in position and bolted together.

Having thus particularly described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to protect by Letters Patent, is-

l. In a Water-column, the combination with a rotatable stand-pipe and discharge-spout carried thereby, of an inclined flange on the stand-pipe, and a presser-bar supported in suitable bearings and adapted to ride upon the ange, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

2. In a water-column, the combination with a rotatable stand-pipe and-discharge-spout carried thereby, of a ange on the stand-pipe presenting an inclined surface and a step or straight portion at the upper end thereof; together with a presserbar supported in suitable bearings and adapted to ride upon the flange, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

3. In a water-column, the combination with a rotatable stand-pipe and discharge-spout carried thereby, of a iiange on the stand-pipe presenting oppositely-inclined surfaces with a straight portion or step connecting the upper ends of said inclined surfaces; together with a presser-bar supported in suitable stationary bearings and adapted to ride upon the flange, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

4. In a Water-column, the combination with a rotatable stand-pipe and discharge-spout carried thereby, of a flange on the stand-pipe presenting oppositely-inclined surfaces, and a presser-bar supported in suitable bearings and adapted to ride upon the flange, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

5. In a water-column, the combination with a rotatable stand-pipe, of an inclined iiange on the stand-pipe, and a presser-bar supported in suitable bearings and adapted to ride upon the iiange; together with a bearingring supported upon a standard, a second bearing-ring attached to the stand-pipe and provided with a depending peripheral flange embracing the other ring, and balls interposed between the aforesaid rings, substantiall y as shown and for the purpose set forth.

G. In a water-column, the combination with the valve-chamber, rotatable stand-pipe and check-valve communicating with the aforesaid va-lve-chamber; of a iiange on the standpipe presenting an inclined surface, a presserbar supported in suitable bearingsand adapted to ride upon the flange, and a rod connected to the presser-bar tand adapted to operate the check-valve, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

7. In a water-column, the combination Wit-h the valve-chamber, rotatable stand-pipe and gravity check-valve communicating with the aforesaid valve-chamber; of a fiange on the stand-pipe presenting an inclined surface, a

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presserbar support-ed in suitable bearings and adapted to ride upon the ange, a rod connected to the presser-bar, and a lever engaged by the rod and adapted to lift the check-valve off its seat, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

8. In a water-column, the combination with the valve-chamber, rotatable stand-pipe and gravity check-valve com municating with the aforesaid valve-chamber; of a flan ge on the stand-pipe presenting an inclined surface, a presserbar supported in suitable bearings and adapted to ride upon the flange, a sectional rod connected to the presserbar, a threaded sleeve connecting the sections of the rod, and a lever engaged by the rod and adapted to lift the check-valve oif its seat when the rod is depressed by the presser-bar, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

9. In awater-column, the combination with the easing or standard and stand-pipe rotatable thereon, of a flange on the stand-pipe presenting an inclined surface and step at the upper end thereof, a bar having a vertical movement in bearings in the standard and carrying a roller adapted to ride upon the flange; a strong helical spring encircling the bar, said spring bearing against the bearingbracket and upon a nut screwed upon the bar, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

lO. In a water-column, the combination with the stand-pipe,of a bracket-arm extending outwardly from the upper end of said stand-pipe, a discharge-spout comprisingin part an elbow by which itis pivotally connected to the standpipe, a yoke extending over the elbow of the discharge-spout, and a spring interposed between the yoke and elbow; together with a counterbalancing-weight connected to the discharge-spout, the bracket-arm being so positioned as to limit the upward movement of said discharge-spout, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

l l. In a water-column, the combination with the stand-pipe, of a bracket-arm extending from the upper end of said stand-pipe, a cushion secured to the outer end of said bracketarm, a discharge-spout comprising in part an elbow by which it is pivotally connected to the stand-pipe, a yoke extending over the elbow of the discharge-spout, and a spring interposed between the yoke and elbow; together with an arm projecting rearward from the elbow of the discharge-spout, and a weight adjustable upon said arm g the bracket-arm being so positioned as to limit the upward movement of the discharge-spout, which contacts with the cushion on said bracket-arm, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

12. In a water-colu mn,the combination with the stand-pipe, of a discharge-spout comprising in part an elbow by which it is pivotally connected to the stand-pipe, a yoke or bracket carried by the stand-pipe and extending over the elbow, and a spring interposed between the yoke and elbow, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

13. In a water-column,the combination with the stand-pipe, of a discharge-spout comprising in part an elbow fitting in said stand-pipe, a yoke or bracket extending over the elbow, a boss extending from the yoke into a socket in the elbow, and a spring seated within the socket to bear against the boss, the said boss and socket being on a line with 'the axis of the elbow, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

14:. In a water-column,the combination with the stand-pipe, of a discharge-spout comprising in part an elbow flttin g in said stand-pipe, a yoke or bracket extending over the elbow, a boss projecting from the yoke into a socket in the elbow, and a spring seated within the socket to bear against the boss, the said boss and socket being on a line with the axis of the elbow; together with a weight counterbalancing the dischargespout,and means limiting the upward movement of said dischargespout, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

15. In a water-colu mn ,the combination with the stand-pipe and main cut-o valve, the stand-pipe having a central opening in its upper end, of a casting presenting a stuihng-box fitting in said opening and an upright bearing adjoining the stufng box, a vertical valve-rod passing upward through the stuifing-box, a horizontal operating-shaft having a bearing at its inner end in the upright bearing of the casting, and bevel-pinions gearing the shaft to the valve-rod; together with a cap inclosing the said gearing, substantially as herein shown and described.

16. In a water-colummthe combination with the stand-pipe and main cnt-off valve, the

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latter having a stem with a threaded socket,

of a valve-rod comprising two sections one engaging the threaded socket of the valve-stem and provided with a reduced squared portion at its upper end presenting a shoulder at the lower end of said squared portion, the adjoining end of the other section being also squared together with a sleeve having a bore square in cross-section to correspond with the squared portions of the sections of the valve-rod, the valve-rod being geared to a horizontal shaft, substantially as herein shown and described.

In testimony whereof I aiiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

EPI-IRAIM D. GAIN.

Vitnesses:

CHAs. R. BROWN, S. F. JONES. 

